Almost all hospital Auxiliaries operate thrift shops. These shops are remarkable fundraising enterprises and serve an important environmental role in the repurposing of items. They also provide an affordable option at a time of increased cost of living. Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary’s Second Time Around Shop (STAS) has contributed over $1 million to the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation’s Back the Build campaign for the new hospital.

Fueled by the great reserve of energy and common sense in The County, The Second Time Around Shop goes above and beyond to support volunteer programs and fundraising endeavours. Located next to the Tim Hortons on Main Street, store manager Pam Strachan and her team of 79 volunteers run what is arguably the best shop in downtown Picton. The store is over 6,800 square feet and is teeming with new and gently used items. From small appliances and furniture, books and jewellery – you will find everything to outfit the apartment of a student starting college or for a new baby in the family.

This volunteer run shop has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars in support of Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital since its inception in May 1973. That’s over 50 years. Five decades. Half a century. However you want to look at it, sustaining a business over that time, including through the ups and downs of a global pandemic, is an impressive feat.

The shop supports the community as well as the hospital, from families from Syria to winter coats for Prince Edward Collegiate Institute students. Recently the volunteer team has stepped up to support the development of a “comfort closet” in the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) to supply clothing for patients in need. Quinte Health’s Patient Services Manager for PECMH, Lisa Mowbray refers to the volunteer team as “the ideal of kindness exemplified – simply amazing people.”

We can all help support this mighty social enterprise by donating new and gently used items to the STAS that are clean and in good condition. Donation days are Monday through Thursday mornings, from 8:30 a.m. until full. The Auxiliary’s newly redesigned website is an excellent source of information about what the shop accepts in terms of donations, and how to become a volunteer at the STAS or with another exceptional Auxiliary program. You can contact the store directly through email at fundraisingretailpecmha@hotmail.com. 

It’s an honour to work with all the Auxiliary volunteers in support of the County hospital, including being a partner and significant contributor for the new hospital build. They are a vital part of the Quinte Health family of four hospitals, and a glowing example of Quinte Health values – “We All Make a Difference” and “Stronger Together”.

The mission of the Auxiliary has been constant since its start – to support the people of Prince Edward County and the patients of the hospital. However, its activities have changed with changing local conditions. Initially, the Auxiliary sewed patient gowns, grew vegetables for meals, and gave doctors and nurses cartons of cigarettes at Christmas. With the SARS outbreak in 2003, hospital activities changed and the gift shop in the hospital was closed. With COVID, hospital activities changed again and the Coffee Shop next door in the Picton Clinic was closed. New greeter positions at the hospital’s emergency entrance have started in 2023.

The Auxiliary consists of dedicated people who promote healthcare in our local area by providing, through fundraising, new equipment for the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital. Auxiliary members and volunteers help both inside the hospital and outside in the community.

For more information about the PECMH Auxiliary, visit our website at www.pecmhaux.ca or call 613-476-1008 ext. 4427 and leave a message.